Childers motorcycle enthusiast Hugh Gilroy is harnessing his passion for adventure and taking to the road next month. He's planning to ride around the country, raising not only his spirits but money for a very good cause.

"I've always wanted to do the southwest corner of Australia," says Hugh. "But you feel you have to have a reason to go on a journey like this.

"That's why I contacted the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and they gave me an event number, so now I can ride off with a clear conscience."

Mr Gilroy said he chose the PCFA because the illness has touched the lives of people close to him.

"I have friends who have passed away from prostate cancer. I have friends who have just been operated on, and I have other friends in remission at the moment. I thought at my age I should do something to help fellow men."

Mr Gilroy has plotted his course around Australia carefully, and plans to leave on March 22.

"My preferred means of transport, as it has been all my life, is riding a motorcycle. I'll be pulling a camper trailer, because for a journey of 15,000km I need somewhere to rest, and this is the best way to do it.

"The journey will take 50 days, returning to Childers on May 11. I've done the mileage pretty thoroughly; I'll average around 300km a day, and that'll give me plenty of time to sell raffle tickets."

That raffle is Mr Gilroy's main fundraiser. A Maryborough business has donated the main prize, a motorcycle trailer worth $8,500.

Mr Gilroy is part of the Ulysses Club, a motorcycle club which caters for older riders rather than those with the flashiest wheels. Part of his planning has been rallying members around the country to help with fundraising.

"We have about 20,000 members around Australia. Even if you ride a motor scooter, you're as welcome in the club as someone who has a $43,000 machine," Hugh says. "There's no discrimination."

The PCFA will use Mr Gilroy's funding to continue research into prostate cancer and to provide care and support to those affected by the disease. If you'd like to donate money to his fundraising efforts, or buy a five dollar ticket in the raffle, you can contact Hugh on 0428 713 232.